In the late hours of a spring evening in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the life of 19-year-old Jordan "JoJo" Roman, a Black/African American male, was tragically cut short. On April 29, 2025, at approximately 10 p.m., the sound of gunfire pierced the night near the intersection of Acushnet Avenue and Griffin Court. Responding to a ShotSpotter alert and 911 calls, New Bedford police officers arrived at the scene to a grim discovery.
Inside a black Hyundai Sonata parked on the east side of
the avenue, they found Jordan Roman in the driver's seat, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The vehicle itself bore the marks of the violent encounter, riddled with multiple bullet strikes. He was immediately transported to St. Luke's Hospital, but his injuries proved fatal, and he was pronounced deceased a short time later.
Jordan, born on October 20, 2005, was remembered as a vibrant young man with a deep loyalty to his family. Known as "JoJo" to his loved ones, he had a passion for anything with an engine, from dirt bikes to cars. A 2022 high school graduate, he was considered the man of his house, a role he carried with pride and devotion, especially in his close relationship with his mother. His sudden and violent death left a profound void in the lives of his parents, siblings, and extended family.
In the wake of the shooting, the area around Acushnet Avenue near Monte Park was cordoned off as investigators began the arduous task of piecing together the events of that night. The investigation into Jordan Roman's death is a collaborative effort, actively being worked on by the New Bedford Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office, and prosecutors from the Homicide Unit. Despite the ongoing investigation, authorities have not yet released any information regarding potential suspects or made any arrests in connection with the homicide. The Bristol County District Attorney's Office has urged anyone with information to come forward as they continue to seek justice for Jordan and his family.
